Suppressant for coal dust

ABSTRACT

The suppressing of coal dust is carried out by applying a solution of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), a wetting agent, and water (H2O), by any desired means, to any surface where coal dust is made, some of which means will hereinafter be described.

United States Patent [191 Cheslick, Sr.

[ Dec. 23, 1975 SUPPRESSANT FOR COAL DUST [76] Inventor: Walter A. Cheslick, Sr.,

103 /2 Hickory Ave., Moundsville,

W. Va. 26041 [22] Filed: Nov. 10, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 305,231

[52] US. Cl. 252/88; 117/132 CF; l17/DIG. 2 [51] Int. Cl. C09K 3/22 [58] Field of Search 252/88; 117/132 CF, DIG. 2

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 939,369 11/1909 Wolfgram et a1 252/88 3,672,924 6/1972 Hamilton 252/88 Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Lechert, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-UIIe C. Linton [57] ABSTRACT The suppressing of coal dust is carried out by applying a solution of magnesium sulfate (MgSO a wetting agent, and water (H O), by any desired means, to any surface where coal dust is made, some of which means will hereinafter be described.

1 Claim, No Drawings SUPPRESSANT FOR COAL DUST This invention relates to coal dust; more particularly, to coal dust that is generated in underground coal mining; still more particularly, to a suppressant that is used to suppress the undesirable coal dust since this dust is not only harmful to mans health but is also a potential fire hazzard as well as a destroyer of machinery when it collects on mechanism and wears out bearings and the like to a point where they must be replaced.

Perhaps the controlling of coal dust is one of the most difficult problems of any underground coal mining operation. Many different methods of suppressing the coal dust have been tried from time to time with admittedly questionable degrees of success.

It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide a suppressant for coal dust that is completely successful at all times and under all conditions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a suppressant for coal dust that is economical to produce from easily obtainable materials.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a suppressant for coal dust that is not harmful to either man or machinery or the like and is a suppressant that can be applied to coal by nearly any desired means in a minimum of time and with a minimum of effort and at a minimum of cost.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will no doubt become apparent from reading this specification and its appended claims.

The basic formula for this invention consists of 12 parts of Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO,,), /4 of a part of any desired wetting agent, such as completely fluorinated carboxylic acids and 128 parts of water (H O). A part is l fluid ounce.

A good example of a typical commercial application of the above noted formula is to mix of a pound of Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO with A of an ounce of wetting agent, known commercially as F-l26 to those experienced in the art, in l gallon of water (H O). For the benefit of those not experienced in the art, it is herein stated that the aforesaid wetting agent F-l26 is manufactured by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Chemical Division, St. Paul, Minn.

One of the best ways to apply this invention of a suppressant for coal dust in an underground coal mine is to mix up a large quantity of the suppressant and place it in a tank of any suitable liquid dispenser when the liquid can be dispensed from the nozzle of a hose, the liquid being forced out of the nozzle by means of compressed air. The nozzle is of course held in the hands and pointed toward the coal by a man. Other desirable and suitable means of applying this suppressant for coal dust may be used.

The use of this suppressant for coal dust .will not corrode any steel that may come in contact with it for a reasonable length of time if it corrodes at all, as was proven by dipping a strip of steel into this aforesaid suppressant. No sign of rust was visible after the strip of steel had been in the solution for a month. The solution is non-toxic, and non-irritating to the skin, eyes or to the lungs and bronchial tract. It is a well-known fact that magnesium sulfate in solution with water easily renders objects almost incombustible. If this suppressant for coal dust is heated to approximately F, it will be found to be much more effective than when used cold.

What I now claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

l. A suppressant for coal dust consisting of an aqueous solution of magnesium sulfate and completely flourinated carboxylic acid. 

1. A SUPPRESSANT FOR COAL DUST CONSISTING OF AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF MAGNESIUM SULFATE AND COMPLETELY FLUORINATED CARBOXYLIC ACID. 